Domestic deployment of the National Guard

This event has reached capacity for in-person attendance. Same-day or walk-in registration will not be available.
Register to watch online instead »

Under the command and control of state and territorial governors, the National Guard has a long history of saving lives, protecting property, and maintaining public order. But a growing number of governors have been deploying National Guard units beyond the normal and customary scope of domestic missions, stretching personnel and their families thin. From enforcing federal immigration policy at the U.S.-Mexico border to patrolling the New York City transportation system, these state or privately funded deployments risk politicizing the National Guard and national security more broadly.  

On April 29, join Governance Studies in the Brookings Institution and Count Every Hero for a panel discussion with former senior military and defense officials about the recent surge in non-federal National Guard deployments and what that means for the United States military and the 2024 election. 

Viewers can submit questions for speakers by emailing [email protected] or via X (formerly Twitter) at @BrookingsGov by using #NationalGuardUse. 

Registration is required to attend an event in person and guests at Brookings are required to attest to their state of health before attending. Visitors may not enter the building if they are feeling ill for any reason, have any symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19, or have tested positive for COVID-19 at any time in the preceding 5 days or longer in accordance with current CDC guidance, or have been advised by their healthcare professional or otherwise to not enter any space where some persons may not be vaccinated.